Short-throw cordless random orbital polisher??

[Mak]

Does anyone make a good quality short throw cordless random orbit polisher? Looking at the Rupes and Flex offerings, it appears they only have the 15mm+ models. I’m talking about free-spinning, not a forced-rotation since I already have the Flex beast. I guess I also need to specify I’m talking about a full-size unit with the 5-6” backing plate, not one of the minis. I currently have the Flex PXE and it’s so nice… that’s what’s turned me on to wanting another larger cordless.
Anyway, I’ve found the convenience of not having to fight a cord (and deal with the potential contaminates falling off of it) is becoming much more appealing than I ever thought it would… I also have a Flex 14-2 rotational for my heavy duty work. However, I’ve found that for polishing the aluminum panels on one of my cars, my old Porter Cable RO works as well or better than the Flex 3401 and is so much easier to hold and use with less vibration, heat, and noise. I’m not sure one of the longer throw offerings from Flex or Rupes would give me that same feel and ease-of-use as the Porter Cable. I don’t have a similar corded model to compare it to, but I assume a short 8-9mm is going to be smoother operating. Also will allow me to more easily get in tight at the edges…
Any advice?
Thanks

 

[Mike Phillips]

First, a little history...

I tried to get FLEX to come out with the FLEX version of the Porter Cable back in 2010 - just 15 years ago while I was at FLEX in Germany, but to no avail.

Secret meeting with the Flex Engineers!

Mike

 

[Mike Phillips]

Now that Chervon has purchased FLEX and also makes EGO and SKILL power tools, while I'm working in the FLEX booth at SEMA this year, I'll ask FLEX if they would like to revisit my ideas.


Mike

 

[Mak]

Now that Chervon has purchased FLEX and also makes EGO and SKILL power tools, while I'm working in the FLEX booth at SEMA this year, I'll ask FLEX if they would like to revisit my ideas.


Mike

Now I’m thinking about the C-beast… You have a great deal on that now in your Beasley shop. How does the battery last? I can’t find any of your old reviews for the 18v version.

 

[Mike Phillips]

Now I’m thinking about the C-beast… You have a great deal on that now in your Beasley shop. How does the battery last? I can’t find any of your old reviews for the 18v version.

Just my opinion, except when working on typically a brand-new car with paint still in excellent condition, (the dealership hasn't messed it up), I rarely use the CBEAST. Point being, if this describes the type of cars you work on, then the CBEAST would work well. If the cars you work on look more like this,

Then I would be using rotary polishers and CORDED gear-driven orbital polishers.

And - if you're going to get a cordless BEAST, then be sure to also get the optional, larger 6" backing plate. I've never figured out why they sell any of their polishers with 5" backing plates, it forces the user to use smaller pads. These tools have lots of power, might as well take advantage of the power.

Also - a larger pad, or larger footprint - smooths out the FEEL for the tool and makes it less tippy.


Just my 2 cents

Mike

 

[Mak]

Just my opinion, except when working on typically a brand-new car with paint still in excellent condition, (the dealership hasn't messed it up), I rarely use the CBEAST. Point being, if this describes the type of cars you work on, then the CBEAST would work well. If the cars you work on look more like this,

Then I would be using rotary polishers and CORDED gear-driven orbital polishers.

And - if you're going to get a cordless BEAST, then be sure to also get the optional, larger 6" backing plate. I've never figured out why they sell any of their polishers with 5" backing plates, it forces the user to use smaller pads. These tools have lots of power, might as well take advantage of the power.

Also - a larger pad, or larger footprint - smooths out the FEEL for the tool and makes it less tippy.


Just my 2 cents

Mike

I do not need the heavy paint correction capability in a new tool. Already have an old Beast and a Flex rotary. Aside from occasionally touching-up my regular cars, or a complete restoration with repaint and cut and buff every few years at most, my main reason for wanting something new/cordless is for the polished aluminum Panoz… that’s a re-polish every time I go to a show or cruise-in… That can be a couple times a month. I just really get tired of fighting the cord and constantly accidentally drag it across a panel when it falls, or I do something else and lose control or catch something etc when I’m tripping on the cord or trying to reposition or move it away from my feet, etc.
I’ve never used one of the longer throw RO polishers in the 15-21mm range. Just the short 8mm Porter Cable. Will the longer throw be a big adjustment to make and will it be as smooth feeling as the old Porter Cable?
Even thought about trying one of the cheap Kobalt or Ryobi brand from Lowes or HD.
Sorry for the stupid questions. Just don’t have the experience to know what I really want in the cordless realm. I definitely have all I need to get the job done now. I’m just getting lazy and looking to make it easier…
If you think the C beast would be what I’m looking for, how is the battery life on the 18v version? Some of the reviews I’ve seen online say that the batteries take a dive after 10-15minutes and there is a a significant decrease in speed/power…
Thanks